Perth obstetrician Rhys Henry Stone Bellinge, 45, faces manslaughter charges following the tragic death of 24-year-old Elizabeth Pearce in a high-speed collision in Dalkeith. Bellinge’s blue Jaguar allegedly struck Pearce’s Honda Jazz on Saturday night. Additionally, he is accused of dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm to the hatchback’s driver, who suffered severe leg injuries.
During a court hearing, Magistrate Clare Cullen denied Bellinge bail, expressing concerns about his potential risk to the community. She noted that dashcam footage showed Bellinge’s vehicle reaching speeds of approximately 130 km/h before losing control. Bellinge reportedly had a blood alcohol level of 0.183 and was witnessed apologising after the crash. Cullen highlighted his “mental upset” over a recent marriage breakdown as a factor in the reckless behaviour exhibited that night.
Bellinge’s history of aggressive driving and recorded derogatory remarks regarding his estranged wife were raised in court, solidifying the prosecution’s case. Following the crash, Pearce was transported to hospital, where she later died, prompting an outpouring of grief from her family. They described their devastation as their “world is shattered.” Bellinge, who sustained spinal injuries, is expected to recover and will appear in court again on March 19.